Defending the bay

The most trusted voice for water in California.

bay.org’s vision recognizes the value and importance of protecting and conserving the San Francisco Bay watershed from the Sierra to the sea so that it may continue to provide resources and nature’s benefits for California now and in the future. Implicit in this vision is an understanding of the need for a more unified and innovative approach to promoting healthy ecosystems in the region as well as the development of a leading, credible, and accessible entity that can educate, connect, and motivate diverse stakeholders.

POWER PACKED DIVISIONS

Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay is San Francisco Bay’s Aquarium. We are passionate about providing fun and unforgettable encounters with our natural world in ways that ignite both wonder and conservation. We do this from our 50,000 square foot building at the heart of San Francisco's history and culture. We are nestled in the shadow of Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill on Fisherman’s Wharf at PIER 39, along the City’s iconic waterfront.

The Bay Institute

The Bay Institute is the leader in protecting and restoring the entire watershed which drains into San Francisco Bay. For nearly 30 years, we have been developing and leading model scientific research, education and advocacy programs to preserve this watershed, which includes the Sacramento and the San Joaquin rivers and their tributaries; Suisun Marsh; San Pablo Bay; and San Francisco Bay.

Sea Lion Center

Operated and managed by Aquarium of the Bay, the Sea Lion Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers free interpretive programs to complement one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions. More than six million annual visitors will have the opportunity to learn all about California sea lions and their history at PIER 39, as well as what everyone can do to help these charismatic mammals survive in their threatened habitat

EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park

The EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park is an incredible space for environmental education, public outreach, and for connecting people with the beauty of San Francisco’s wild landscapes. It represents San Francisco’s best example of sustainable solutions to adverse human impacts on the environment and is a model for green building, sustainable resource use, environmental justice, and experiential learning.

Bay Model Alliance

The Bay Model Alliance, a partnership between the Bay Model Visitor Center and Aquarium of the Bay, works to build a comprehensive learning center for the Bay, on the Bay. The Bay Model is a fully accessible waterfront education center administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It showcases a working hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta System.